ML644191004

Observation details

Initially found here (40.4757500, -74.0148611) after Dan Markowicz and I had finished up at salt pond. The bird was reasonably cooperative considering the species (was also maddeningly elusive for extended periods) and I saw it 4 more times after initial sighting while looking for it with others and likely a 6th time badly in flight. Tiny sparrow with weak appearing flight (both size and flight appearance exaggerated by the fact that this individual was essentially tailless), buffy orange face with gray cheek patch, yellowish buff breast and sides, dark side streaking, finely streaked gray/reddish nape, pale stripes down back, flight calls heard a few times during my second sighting (high, thin, descending); photos (temp boc)